Bill Beck proponent of insurance incentives

According to insurance industry statistics, health insurance premiums rose almost 500% faster than wages in 2002. As we approach the 2004 elections, there is going to be much discussion on the perceived health care crisis. Montanans must look deeper to find the real reasons why health care costs are spiraling out of control.

The health care dilemma in our state is a result of poor economic policy. Currently, there are incentives in place to charge more and more from the people who pay the most and take the least. There is currently little incentive for the abusers of our health care system to modify their behavior. As I am often found of saying: "People do things because they can."

In Montana, people who don,t take responsibility for their own health still have access to health care. If they have insurance, the cost of their preventable care is covered by the premiums paid by the others in the insurance pool. If they don,t have health insurance, doctors and hospitals charge insured patients more than is necessary to cover their losses. Insurance companies are more than comfortable with this arrangement because they just pass on their losses to their policyholders. As users of health insurance submit claims, the insurance companies raise premiums to insure their financial success. There are currently no incentives for health insurance companies to be advocates for the responsible, insured policyholder.

Bill Beck understands that the solution to the rising cost of health care in Montana is changing the incentives. If elected, Bill will fight to ensure there are incentives in place for Montanans to own health insurance and to be responsible for living healthy lifestyles. He will also work with churches and other local humanitarian organizations to ensure that all Montanans, regardless of income, are equipped with the skills and access necessary for healthy living.

For too long politicians have favored a health care system that takes from the responsible and gives to the irresponsible. Bill Beck will bring common sense ideas to Helena that will reverse this trend. I urge you to vote for Bill Beck.

Respectfully submitted.

Joe Coco